Biographical Note:

William Gurley was born in Troy, New York, March 16, 1822. He received his primary and secondary education at private schools before attending the Rensselaer Institute (now Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute), and graduating in 1839 with a degree in civil engineering. Thereafter, he practiced surveying for several years before turning his attention to the manufacturing of scientific and mathematical instruments. He learned the trade in the shop of Oscar Hanks. In 1845, Gurley established his own scientific instrument manufacturing business in partnership with James Phelps. They bought the Hanks plant in 1852, which became their principal place of business. Lewis E. Gurley, the younger brother of William, joined the firm and eventually bought out the interest of James Phelps. Thus early was formed their industrial firm of the name W.& L.E. Gurley, situated for over a century on Fulton Street in Troy. The firm prospered greatly from government controls during the Civil War and postwar expansion of the market for its products throughout the world. During the 1870s, William Gurley traveled extensively in Europe, primarily for business reasons. In 1876 the firm sponsored an award-winning exhibit at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia.

William Gurley also was involved in many civic and philanthropic endeavors in Troy. For many years he served as president of the board of trustees of the Young Men’s Association, which was the principal cultural organization in the city. Gurley also figured prominently in the financial operations of the Emma Willard School and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

William Gurley married Maria Ruth Kenney (1827-1894) of Troy, June 24, 1847. They had five children. Their first child, Clara Augusta Gurley (1849-?), married Dr. Nicholas Williamson (1845-1902) of New Brunswick, New Jersey, June 2, 1881. Dr. Williamson was a practicing physician and also served as mayor of his native city. The second child of William and Mary R.K. Gurley, Esther (Hettie) Maria (1853-1892), married Paul Cook of Troy; Cook eventually became president of the W.& L.E. Gurley Company. William Gurley died January 10, 1887.

Scope and Contents Note:

The Gurley Family Papers consist chiefly of letters, diaries, and photographs that offer a glimpse of the personal and professional lives of various members of a once prominent family of Troy, New York. The bulk of materials are centered on Clara Gurley Williamson, the oldest daughter of William and Ruth Kenney Gurley. Included are many letters to Clara from her parents and siblings regarding personal and family matters. In addition, Clara received many letters from a friend, Sarah Cook of New Brunswick, New Jersey. Her activities and experiences depict the social life and customs of the time. Clara’s diaries offer perceptive observations of her social circle.

There are also many letters not directly related to Clara, including several letters written by William Gurley to his brother, Lewis, from Europe that provide invaluable insight into the operations of the nineteenth-century scientific instrument industry. Also included are the diaries of Maria R.K.Gurley and the draft of the last will and testament of William Gurley.

Photographs, comprising almost half the collection, include many studio portraits of William Gurley and other family members taken in the 1870s through the 1890s. The bulk of the photographs, however, feature the family of Paul and Esther (Hettie) Gurley Cook. Included are several exterior and interior views of their residence, known as Elmhurst, which was situated in the Lansingburgh section of Troy near the boundary line with the Town of Brunswick.